A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six

by Jeannette Winters

  “I wish I could tell you that was an option. We’re not in the United States. Marpe-Agape is in international waters. The law here is what we make it. Or should I say, what Drew made it since it’s technically still his island.”

  “There’s nothing we can do then, is there?”

  “He’s not going to hurt anyone anytime soon. Beckett and I have made sure he’s being watched closely. When we had Gunny return him, it was with clear instructions the guy was going to a treatment center where he’ll learn a different way of dealing with his . . . aggression.”

  “How did you talk him into that?” she asked surprised.

  “Toby understands if he doesn’t fulfill all the requirements in that group, then he’ll be joining Beckett and me on a trip back here. And we will finish the program our way.”

  “He must realize you can’t do that.” By the look in Doug’s eyes, she realized he wasn’t joking. Maybe you can do it. I don’t think I want to know what you two can do.

  Doug was something else. He was the sweetest, gentlest man she’d ever met one minute and the next all badass and someone she wouldn’t want to have as an enemy.

  Rose couldn’t pull herself away from his eyes. It was as though they were drawing her in to him. She stepped closer, but kept her hands by her side. Although she wanted to touch him, kiss him again, she wasn’t sure if he still wanted her. I look like shit, and my body feels like hell. Why would he want me?

  Her head dipped down, and his index finger tipped her chin up to face him.

  “Don’t hide from me, beautiful.”

  When she looked at him again, she saw it. She saw the connection they had in the garden and realized she longed for it. For him.

  “Rose, I want to kiss you, but damn it, I’m not the type of man you need.” His voice was husky with need as he spoke to her.

  “Whatever you think I need, you’re wrong, Doug. Right now I need you to . . . hold me and not let go.”

  Her lips were dry so she slowly licked them. She saw him watching each movement. As though it broke his last bit of restraint, he pulled her into his arms and claimed her lips. He wasn’t rough at all. Instead, he gently prodded her to open to him. She was desperate to taste him.

  Stepping on tippy-toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer. Sweet bliss. Holding his warm, hard muscular body against her. A warm throbbing sensation started at her toes and wove its way through her entire body. It might be insane, but tonight she wanted nothing more than to touch every inch of him.

  She removed her hands from his neck and started to unbutton his shirt. Doug covered her hand with his, preventing her from continuing. Rose thought he wanted to slow things down. That was okay with her too, but then he pulled his lips from her as well.

  “Rose, we can’t do this right now.”

  “Why?” she asked, breathing shallowly with desire.

  “It’s been an emotional day for both of us. I’m not saying it won’t happen. Trust me, Rose, you’re a stunning woman and you’ve worked your way into my thoughts and under my skin. I want you so badly I can hardly think, not to mention barely breathe. But it can’t be tonight.”

  “I want you too, Doug.”

  “Then another day won’t change a thing, will it?” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I’m not going anywhere, Rose. I’ll be here in the morning. Now sleep. It’s something we both need.”

  She wanted to scream, tell him she wanted to be in his bed. Sleep was the furthest thing from her mind. Her body was tingling with just his kiss. She’d never known such longing. Yet he was telling her no.

  “Doug, I don’t want you to go,” Rose said softly as she laid her head on his chest.

  Stroking her long hair, he replied, “Angel, there’s a difference between no and not now. Trust me, tomorrow you and I will spend the entire day together. Tonight, you sleep.”

  Doug was right, she was mentally spent, and her body ached from the assault. He kissed the top of her head, left her bedroom, and closed the door behind him.

  Sleep? You really think I’m going to get any? If I can’t have you, then I might as well have a cold shower.

  Rose didn’t bother unpacking. She slid the suitcase off her bed and onto the floor, grabbed a nightgown, and headed to the bathroom. Okay, Doug. You promised me tomorrow. Let’s see what you’ve got.

  Chapter Nine

  “What the hell?” Doug barked at Mr. Handa.

  “Mr. Atwood, I assure you I will do everything in my power to stop this. The paperwork for this was submitted to the courts first thing this morning. I have requested a hearing in front of the judge. I can’t stress enough how your presence in the courtroom is required. You’re the only living blood relative. Although Candi LaPrade was his legal spouse, your status as son and heir should affect the decision.”

  Doug couldn’t believe Candi. His father was dead and buried, and the bitch was requesting to have him dug up and cremated? There was no way in fucking hell he would allow that to happen. Besides the fact his father should be able to rest in peace, there was only one reason why she could want to do something like this. Because you’re guilty as sin.

  “Are you meeting with the judge today?”

  “Tomorrow morning, nine o’clock in the judge’s chambers.”

  He’d promised Rose the entire day today with her. He could still pull it off. All Doug needed to do was get his chopper ready to take off in the middle of the night, and he could make it in plenty of time to meet with the judge.

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Doug. I know you weren’t . . . close to your father, but the judge will want a rational objection why you believe Candi’s request should be denied.”

  Besides the fact that I think she killed my father? Yeah, I get it. “I know what to do.”

  Once he disconnected the call with Handa, he called Beckett. This tidbit of information was vital to the case he was working on.

  “What’s up, Atwood?”

  “My lawyer just called. Time for you to pack. We’ve got some business to attend to in New York first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “How heavy do you need me to pack?”

  Doug understood it had nothing to do with clothing. Beckett prepared for combat. He wished he could say pack light, but Doug didn’t know what they were facing. If it were just a court appearance, he wouldn’t involve Beckett. There was something wrong with the picture. It made no sense for Candi to make this type of move now. She wasn’t bright enough to have thought this up on her own. Was she someone’s puppet or was she that damn good of an actress? If someone is working with her, that would explain why you didn’t see it coming Dad.

  “I have no clue what the temperature is going to be, but pack like it may get hot.”

  “Roger that.”

  With Beckett on call, all Doug needed to do was plan the day he’d promised Rose. Her bedroom door was still closed. At least, one thing today is working in my favor. Leaving the suite, he went to make the arrangements for a surprise outing.

  It wasn’t long before he ran into Sharma. She came rushing over to him.

  “How is Ro—Ms. Davis?”

  “She’s as good as can be expected, thanks.” He needed some supplies, and it was going to take someone who knew the island. Beckett would’ve been his go-to. There were things on the list he’d rather Rose’s brother not be aware of, though. It could get a bit awkward. I don’t need any interruptions today. “Hey, can you do me a favor?”

  “Of course, Mr. Atwood. What do you need?”

  He pulled a list out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Can you make all this happen?”

  Sharma unfolded the paper and scanned the list. As she read, her eyes brightened. “Oh, my. Yes. I can help with this.”

  “Good. Don’t say anything to anyone.”

  “She’s going to be so happy,” Sharma said as she hurried away with the paper in hand.

  Doug shook his head. He could see why
Rose wanted to help her. You didn’t need to know her long to see the kind heart she had.

  While Sharma worked on pulling together a few things, he had his own list to complete. He wanted to make this day memorable for Rose. Doug wasn’t what anyone would call a romantic. That didn’t mean he couldn’t try. As Rose slept, he planned what he thought she’d enjoy. It was tough because, he knew they had one hell of a connection, but there was still much they didn’t know about each other. He was going with his gut and hoped she’d find it enjoyable.

  Was this their first date? I haven’t officially asked her on a date. What the hell is wrong with me? This needs to be rectified.

  Doug had a few more things he needed to do before heading back to the suite. He wished he had the luxury of giving Rose his full attention today, but the call from Handa was eating at him. Beckett was on board, and he needed to think transportation. Grabbing his cell phone, he texted the pilot to have the chopper here and fueled for takeoff around midnight. He wanted to be able to tell him it would be returning the same day, but once that meeting with the judge was over, he knew shit was going to hit the fan.

  He could tell Beckett was already onto something—or someone—but wasn’t divulging. Yet. He dealt in facts only. Until Beckett had something solid, he wouldn’t update Doug. But fuck, this is my father we’re talking about. I don’t care what he suspects, I want, no need, to know.

  Doug tried calling Beckett’s phone, but it went straight to voicemail. It wasn’t like him to have it off, so he assumed that meant he was with the kids. Hope it’s not at the beach, because I don’t want an audience for my quality time with Rose. Not that I give a fuck, but she may.

  He looked at the time on his phone. Everything should be set up. It was time for him to get back to the suite and gather his date.

  When he arrived, he anticipated finding Rose either in bed or lounging around on a deck chair on the suite’s balcony. Instead, the suite was empty. This put a kink in the plans, but there was still time to pull it all off. If I can find her.

  There were only a few places he knew she’d go: Beckett’s or Trent’s. Given how bruised her face still was, he didn’t think she’d go visit with her other friends and sisters-in-law. It was obvious yesterday that she wanted to conceal the ordeal from as many people as possible. Doug couldn’t blame her. Healing from such a trauma was bad enough. Having everyone asking you how you’re doing was pure hell. People meant well, but for the victim regular scrutiny and attention didn’t let you escape the trauma.

  Doug called Trent, subtlety inquiring about Rose.

  “Should I be worried?” Trent replied.

  “No. I was just hoping to have lunch with her.”

  Trent snorted. “You’re a horrible liar, Doug. Why are you looking for her?”

  “Personal matter.”

  “Fuck that. She’s my sister. Nothing’s personal.”

  “Trent, she’s a grown-ass woman, and yes, some things are personal.”

  “Beckett’s okay with this?” Trent asked.

  “We respect each other’s privacy. You might want to try it some time.”

  Trent laughed. “I see why you and Beckett are friends. I’ll tell Rose you’re looking for her if I see her.”

  He tried Beckett again, and it went to voicemail. That was odd, and he was tempted to go in search of his friend, but if something was wrong, he was sure Beckett would reach out. He knows I’ve got his six.

  Right now he was concerned about Rose. Where has she gone? What would’ve made her leave? He’d found it extremely difficult pulling away from her when they kissed last night. Her lips were as sweet as honey; he’d desperately wanted to swoop her into his arms, carry her to the bed, and make sweet love to her until she couldn’t remember Martin’s name. That was what he wanted as a man, yet the professional in him knew that would’ve been taking advantage of her fragile mental state. No matter what his cock wanted, he’d never hurt her like that. Today I plan on us having a fresh start. So where the hell are you, Rose?

  Trying those few spots she’d mentioned she enjoyed before, he became more frustrated as each place was occupied, but not by her. He became concerned that she may not have been feeling well and went to the medical center. He made his way there quickly.

  When he entered, he immediately bumped into the doctor. “Is Rose Davis here?”

  “Yes, she is. Can I help you?”

  “Where is she?” Doug asked quickly.

  “Do you need medical attention?” the doctor inquired.

  Do I look like I do? Even though his words weren’t aggressive, his thoughts were. That didn’t please Doug, yet when Rose was involved, it seemed his tact and manners went out the window.

  “Listen, Doc, if you don’t tell me where she is right now I’ll—”

  “Doug? What are you doing here?” Rose called out from behind him.

  He spun around expecting to see her in a hospital robe. Instead, she was dressed in a nurse’s uniform. “What are you doing here?”

  She smiled. “That’s what I asked you.”

  Looking over her attire again, he realized what a ridiculous question it was. “You’re working here? I thought—”

  “I’m helping Dr. Fung. I figured while we were going to be here for the week, I might as well be useful since they’re a little short-staffed.”

  A week. Yeah, I did say that. Shit. He hadn’t mentioned he was leaving later tonight. That didn’t mean she couldn’t or better yet, shouldn’t stay.

  “I’m sure they appreciate your assistance.”

  “Doug, do I need to ask you a third time?”

  He reached out, took her hand, and led her down the hallway so they could have some privacy. Dr. Fung could still see them, but Doug was confident they couldn’t be overheard.

  “No one had seen you, so I was a bit worried.”

  “You’ve been asking around about me? What do you think could happen here?”

  Look what already has. He didn’t want to remind her. The guy was gone, and as far as he knew, there wasn’t anyone on the island that would ever be a threat to her or anyone else.

  “What time are you finished working?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “That was the last patient today. The rest are house calls, and Dr. Fung will take one of the staff nurses with him. Why? What’s going on, Doug? You seem so . . . on edge,” Rose said to him, giving him a look of concern.

  “I promised you a day together. There are a few things I wanted to make sure we could still do.” That wasn’t a lie. He’d already requested a picnic to be packed and delivered to the beach. They should have the blanket and beach canopy set up by now.

  Rose grinned. “I’ve been looking forward to it. I didn’t think a few hours in the medical center would interfere with anything.”

  “It hasn’t. Yet.”

  She stepped up on her tippy-toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Give me an hour, and I’ll meet you back at the suite.”

  “Perfect.”

  “Is there anything special I need to dress for?”

  “Fun in the sun.” It was only noon, so they still had hours of sun left to enjoy.

  Hopefully though, tonight will incorporate fun in other ways.

  Rose couldn’t finish at the center and get back to the suite fast enough. The expression on Doug’s face when he turned to find her in the center was priceless. He looked as though he’d found the one thing he was looking for. If only that were true. I’m not what anyone is looking for.

  Although the pain in her body had lessened, the color in her cheek had worsened. It was darker and had spread even higher on her cheekbone. Looking closely in the mirror, she even noticed her right eye was also bruised. Really not the look I was hoping for on our first . . . date.

  Was it a date? Rose wasn’t really sure what to label it. Actually, all he said was fun in the sun. She’d done that plenty of times with her friends. Maybe she was hoping for something that wasn’t going to happen. Maybe it
shouldn’t. He’s Beckett’s friend. If it doesn’t work out, I don’t want it to affect their friendship.

  That didn’t stop her from putting on her favorite pink bikini she’d packed as well as a cute little sundress. No reason a girl can’t look her best even if it isn’t a date.

  She came out of her bedroom to find Doug lying on the chaise lounge, his eyes closed. As she made her way over to him quietly, he didn’t move. Watching his chest rise slowly and his breathing shallow, it became crystal clear. My date is fast asleep. Great.

  Her heart sank. She had tried not to show it earlier, but she was excited to be spending the day alone with him. What they did hadn’t mattered to her. Part of her wanted to go and wake him, yet she figured he must not have slept well the night before.

  Rose turned off the lamp and quietly stepped out of the suite. Even if she couldn’t be with Doug, she didn’t want to miss the beautiful day.

  She was halfway down the walkway, heading toward the beach, when she spotted Sharma. The woman was practically bubbling with excitement as she approached.

  “You look mighty happy today.”

  “Oh, Rose, I can’t thank you enough. I was called into the office today. My heart was pounding, and my hands trembled with nerves. All I could think about was if they were going to fire me.”

  “Why would you think that? Everyone here loves you.”

  “I love them too. Being here has helped me grieve the loss of my husband. It sometimes feels too good to be true, and I think it’s only a dream. That one day I’ll wake up, I’ll be back in India thinking I might not eat today.”

  Rose wanted to reach out and hug her, tell her that’ll never happen. It was a promise she couldn’t make, although she wanted to with her whole heart.

  “Oh, Rose, when Danielle told me she was going to meet with me every day, one on one, to continue my schooling, I almost cried. She’d spoken with KJ, who will make sure I receive sufficient training to obtain my nursing license. I thought my heart would stop right then. When I asked them why, do you know what they said?”

  Rose shook her head.